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She added more than half of the voter base is female and every woman should have representation on county government.

Harwell was formerly one part of the “Steve, Debbie and Dave Show,” on WRNN radio based in Myrtle Beach for 10 years. Today, she operates a public relations firm that updates the public on government projects like new roads, such as the proposed Interstate 73.

She’s now vying for former chairman Tom Rice’s old seat, but more than a year ago the two were aiming for the same one. Harwell was a candidate for representative of the 7th Congressional District, but withdrew from the race last January after her husband, David, became ill.

Now, Harwell believes her experience with transportation makes her a viable asset to Horry County, an area that has a number of road projects residents are ready to see completed. These include the widening of Carolina Forest Boulevard, the completion of International Drive and access to a major interstate.

“I see exactly what we have to do. I know the different terminology. I know the next step, and how we would go about doing that,” Harwell said.

Steve Gosnell, director of Horry County Infrastructure and Regulation, said Harwell’s company helped coordinate public hearings, press releases and information gathering for the Carolina Bays Parkway extension, the Aynor Overpass and the backgate work.

Gosnell said the work was a small part of the projects, but a necessary part.

“She’s been involved with a variety of transportation projects ... which would make her knowledgeable on those projects,” he said.

And there is another transportation project Harwell believes is vital for Horry County, and that is a southern evacuation route.

Harwell said the new storm surge maps paint a potentially devastating picture of what could happen if a hurricane strikes the Grand Strand, and she’s frightened for those in the south end of Horry County.